(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) - This morning, the Utah State Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling declaring the state legislature’s alterations to citizen-led ballot initiatives, particularly the independent redistricting initiative passed in 2018, unconstitutional. The ruling affirms that the legislature cannot override or weaken voter-approved ballot initiatives, stating, “When Utahns exercise their right to reform the government through a citizen initiative, their exercise of these rights is protected from government infringement.”
Democratic nominee for Utah Governor, Rep. Brian King, responded with the following statement: “I’m thrilled by the Utah Supreme Court’s ruling this morning, which upholds the principles laid out in our state constitution: that all political power resides inherently in the people. This decision, reached after careful deliberation, corrects the legislature’s actions that undermined the voters' intentions by gerrymandering our electoral maps and diminishing Utahns’ voices. Governor Spencer Cox, my opponent, signed these gerrymandered maps into law three years ago, despite acknowledging that the legislature drawing their own maps is a clear conflict of interest. Even today, the Governor expressed disagreement with aspects of the Court’s analysis and findings. This conflicts with the will of the people when they passed the redistricting initiative. Utahns are fed up with politicians who ignore their voices, and this court ruling marks a significant advancement for democracy. As Governor, I will be committed to upholding this precedent and ensuring that the rights of Utahns are respected.”
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Brian King represents District 23 in the Utah State House of Representatives. Elected in 2008, he also served as the House Minority Leader from 2015 to 2023. In addition to his role in public service, Brian is a practicing attorney and business owner. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Ann, accompanied by the delightful presence of their dog, Cora. Brian has four daughters, three stepchildren, and three grandchildren. Watch the campaign’s most recent ad: “A Place for Pioneers”. To learn more about Brian’s campaign for governor, visit kingforutah.com.
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